Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. will be awarding $151,809.23 to thirty not-for-profit organizations within the Southern Finger Lakes region through the Community Grant Program. Grantees have been invited to a private awards ceremony on July 7, 2010 at the Arnot Art Museum where they will receive their grant checks.

Additionally, the Fund for Women, a fund held within the Community Foundation, recently made their first round of grants to three nonprofit organizations: Economic Opportunity Program, Career Development Council, and the Corning Area Youth Center. Thirty-two individuals from Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties have also received grant checks for up to $500 each to support their educational endeavors. The 2010 focus of Fund for Women grantmaking is to support the education of women and girls. Over $18,000 in grants were awarded. Grantees were recognized at the First Annual Fund for Women Brunch on June 19, 2010 at the Elmira Country Club.

"It certainly has been an exciting year of grantmaking here at the Community Foundation," said Program Officer, Sara Palmer. "Not only is our Community Grant Program thriving, but the addition of the Fund for Women grantmaking program has filled a gap that has often been overlooked and underfunded."

The next deadline for applications through the Community Grants Program is September 1, 2010. Guidelines for grantseekers and application can be found by going to www.communityfund.org. This is an open and competitive grantmaking program. All applicants must be registered 501c3 organizations residing in and serving the citizens of Chemung and/or Southeastern Steuben counties.

Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. is a permanent source of charitable funds backed by a wide variety of donors committed to the social and economic health of the Southern Finger Lakes.